Developmental status of topical therapies for erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction

The most common of the sexual dysfunctions in men are premature ejaculation and impotence. Large strides have been made in the treatment of erectile disturbances but only limited and temporary successes have been achieved in the therapy of ejaculatory abnormalities. This manuscript examines the realm of topical therapy, its current limitations and the challenges that must be addressed if topical therapy is ever to have a niche in the urologist's treatment armamentarium. Topical agents for the treatment of premature ejaculation include anesthetics and herbal medications. The limited nature of the studies reported to date does not yet permit a reliable assessment of their efficacy. For the treatment of erectile dysfunction, some of the drugs administered by various other systemic routes appear to have some efficacy when delivered transdermally. Again, the studies and results are too limited for the urologist to develop a clear opinion about their efficacy. Further investigation of these drugs with the use of absorption enhancers is needed.